It’s that time of year again. Time for me to take stock of my shortcomings and embark on a plan for improvement that’s, at best, ambitious and, at worst, mission impossible. But I must say, a couple of late-in-the-year losses to our industry have me reprioritizing my New Year’s Resolutions. Top of the list? Making sure those around me know how truly valued they are.

Lighting lost a legend in October with the passing of Bruce Robinson of Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre. His tireless participation in the American Lighting Assn. (ALA) was exemplified by his attendance at September’s Conference in Las Vegas, where he was clearly experiencing deteriorating health yet made an appearance. His contributions to the organization cannot be overstated. He even served on the task force that transitioned ALA from outside management to the dedicated staff that’s still in place today. The rest, as they say, is history. Really, everything ALA has accomplished since then — from exponential membership growth to its national advertising and PR efforts — began with that critical step.

Just two weeks ago, I was also saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of Besa Lighting owner Rick Cash from a heart attack. Although accomplished in the leadership of his company, he was far too young to be eulogized. His colleagues are trying to move forward with preparations for January’s Dallas Market — “business as usual,” as they suspect their company President would have wanted — but I believe both of these losses will be palpably felt in the halls of the Trade Mart.